The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for a dramatic conclusion, with Benin Republic, South Africa and Nigeria all still in contention to qualify from Group C.
After matchday nine, Benin lead the group with 17 points following a narrow 1–0 win over Rwanda. South Africa sit second on 15 points, while the Super Eagles are third with 14, after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane.
Benin Republic
The Cheetahs are in the strongest position to qualify. They will book their place at the 2026 finals if they defeat Nigeria on the final day.
Former Super Eagles gaffer Gernot Rohr is hoping to qualify Benin republic for their first ever FIFA World Cup. Photo Credit: X
A draw could also be enough if South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in Durban.
South Africa
Bafana Bafana’s qualification chances remain alive but depend on results elsewhere. A win against Rwanda will see them qualify if Benin lose to Nigeria.
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A draw or defeat could see them overtaken by Nigeria or Benin, depending on goal difference.
Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos. Photo Credit: SAFA/X
Nigeria
The Super Eagles face the most difficult path. They must beat Benin in Uyo to have any chance. They also need South Africa to fail to win against Rwanda.
READ MORE:Nigeria coach Chelle calls for support ahead of decisive Benin qualifier – The Athletic NG
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: X
Nigeria need maximum points to even stand a chance topping the group. However, a 2-1 victory for the Super Eagles would leave both sides with identical records, meaning that FIFA would need to refer to their disciplinary records (accumulation of yellow and red cards) in order to determine which team finishes higher in the group.
Nigeria need to win 1-0, or by a two-goal margin, and hope that South Africa do not win to progress; it would represent an astonishing revival act if Eric Chelle’s side can squeeze into top spot.
With all three nations still in the hunt, Group C is poised for a tense final round on Tuesday, 14 October.
The “lucky losers” and Africa’s World Cup qualification twist
The group stage may end next week, but the 2026 World Cup race isn’t over yet. Four of the nine runners-up will still advance to the Second Round, keeping hopes alive for teams like Cameroon, Gabon, DR Congo and possibly Nigeria.
CAF has also confirmed an adjustment following Eritrea’s withdrawal from Group E. To ensure fairness, results against the bottom-placed teams in each group will be excluded when calculating the best second-placed sides.
Standings based on CAF updates as of 11 October 2025. Image Credit: Flashscore
Next fixtures
Tuesday 14 October 2025
Nigeria v Benin Republic — Uyo
South Africa v Rwanda — Mpumalanga
Lesotho v Zimbabwe — Polokwane
